Washington, DC
Washington, DC, capital of the United States of America, is a "biggie." The key to a fun family trip is don't try to cram too much into each day (especially in summer, which can be quite hot and humid).
Look for eagles – The bald eagle is the national symbol of the United States, and see how many places kids can spot the eagle.
Look eagles on buildings, White House China, memorials, military emblems, seal of the President of the United States, and more. When you start looking it turns up everywhere!
Rent bikes - Best (and fun) way to zip around the Tidal Basin and see all the memorials is to rent bikes. Bike paths are level, easy to ride, and much cooler than slogging by foot on a hot summer day.
Bike rentals at L'Enfant Plaza, Bike and Roll has cruisers, kid's bikes, and helmets.
Ride the metro - The Washington, DC metro is clean, well-run and a fun and easy way get around. Kids will enjoy the distinctive coffered ceilings in the subway, as well as the huge long escalators to ascend or descend from the street. Fares aren't expensive, and there's also a one day pass for unlimited travel.
DC Circulator National Mall Service -
The DC Circulator bus is the one to take for all the National Mall museums, Capitol, plus Tidal Basin and memorials. Hop on and hop off, use SmarTrip cards or cash. Click here for all the details.
Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, VA) - Arlington National Cemetery remembers America's war heroes, from the American Revolution to the present day, as well as astronauts, explorers, writers, doctors, presidents, and Supreme Court justices.
Here's our own Travel for Kids list of family hotels, all styles and price ranges, convenient to fun things to do with kids in Washington DC:
